Chilly afternoon

It's been cooler this past week, as if Cambridge has realised that it's autumn. I wanted to make hot mulled cider, so I gathered my ingredients.


Orange rind, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and assorted peppercorns.


I toasted the dry ingredients for a couple of minutes in an empty saucepan until the kitchen smelled like spices.


Then I added a half gallon of cider. Oops! This pan is a little too small.


Much better. I added a little bit of brown sugar, and brought it to a boil before adding the orange rind. Then I simmered it for a while.


In order to strain out the ingredients I put a cheesecloth over this pitcher, and poured everything in. It fit exactly. Then I removed the cheesecloth and poured it back into the pot.


A couple of orange slices for a garnish (who am I trying to impress? Just myself. Besides, I had the orange after using the rind).


A glass of hot mulled cider, perfect for a cool autumn day.